European Societyof Cardiology

&Who we areWhat we do

What isthe EuropeanSociety ofCardiology?

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit, medical society. It is an independent, non-governmental organisation.

The ESC’s members and decision-makers are healthcare professionals. They give their time and expertise freely, while continuing their daily, high-paced clinical and/or research work. ESC volunteers are world renowned experts. Their opinions are routinely sought and their papers regularly published and referenced.

The ESC is a source of high quality, evidence-based science that pushes the boundaries of cardiovascular medicine.

Ethical integrity

The ESC adheres to a Code of Conduct to ensure objectivity, transparency and integrity. The ESC developed this code in collaboration with members of the Alliance for Biomedical Research in Europe, of which it is a founding member.

Who is the ESC?

56Member

43Affiliated

European roots - Global reachThe ESC is a global society that identifies cardiovascular trends, addresses inequalities and shares best practices to improve standards of care for patients.

The ESC was founded by 14 European National Cardiac Societies in 1950. Today, the ESC includes:

56 Member National Cardiac Societies from within Europe and the Mediterranean basin

4 000 Fellows of the ESC 95 000 Healthcare Professionals

43 Affiliated Cardiac Societies non-European cardiac societies and organisations

OUR DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH

All cardiology subspecialtiesThe ESC covers the full spectrum of cardiology through its 27 subspecialty communities: 6 Associations, 15 Working Groups and 6 Councils. This gives it a unique perspective on all areas of cardiovascular science.

Through these networks, the ESC has its finger on the pulse of cardiovascular medicine.

Whythe ESC exists

Despite huge advances in cardiovascular medicine, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world’s biggest killer.

• 17.5 million deaths globally (31% of all deaths)*

• 3.9 million deaths per year in Europe alone (45% of all deaths)*

• CVD costs the EU economy an estimated 210 billion Euros per year*

• 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. **

CVD includes all the diseases of the heart and circulation, including coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, congenital heart disease and stroke. It’s also known as heart and circulatory disease.

*European Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2017. European Heart Network

**World Health Organisation

The ESC Mission

Everything the ESC does aims to:• Advance the prevention, diagnosis and management of diseases of the

heart and blood vessels

• Improve scientific understanding of the heart and vascular system

Ultimately, its goal is to advance cardiovascular science to help people live longer, healthier lives.

TO REDUCE THE BURDEN OFCARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

The ESC’s role infightingcardiovasculardisease

The ESC acts in the interests of patients by providing cardiologists with the support and tools they need to deliver the best possible care. This not only means saving lives, but ensuring a good quality of life for the growing number of people living with cardiovascular disease.

The ESC does this by :

• Disseminating evidence-based, scientific knowledge through

12 scientific journals, numerous textbooks and the world’s leading cardiovascular congress.

• Harmonising standards of care through their internationally respected ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines.

• Shaping heart health policy and regulation by fostering partnerships and providing scientific expertise and independent data.

• Providing a wealth of ESC scientific content, easily accessible on the ESC website, used by some 300 000 visitors each month.

Supportingour members

The ESC is a member driven organisation, welcoming more than 95 000 healthcare professionals within its global community.

Cardiologists and other healthcare professionals join the ESC and its subspecialty communities, to be part of a society that represents their interests within the health sector and gives them opportunities to network, access the latest science and use a broad array of services that support their ongoing professional development.

Healthcare professionals can now choose ‘ESC Professional Membership’, ESC subspecialty memberships, or a combination of the two.

ESC core activitiesLeading congresses

Broad global reach and cutting-edge scientific programmes that change the way clinicians practice medicine

The ESC organises 10 cardiology congresses each year across the main subspecialty areas.

Its award-winning flagship event, ESC Congress, is the largest and most influential cardiovascular assembly in the world, attracting more than 30 000 participants from 140 different countries each year. It is the pivotal event in the cardiology calendar, allowing healthcare professionals to keep up to date on the latest science while networking with their peers from different countries.

ESC core activitiesNeeds-driven education

Robust, education, built on a strong, evidence-based found

The ESC delivers a broad portfolio of education initiatives. It is leading a revolution in medical education by producing impactful, needs-driven programmes; analysing cardiology trends and surveying healthcare professionals on what they believe is preventing or promoting best patient outcomes.

ESC Education includes online learning (webinars, online courses with MCQs, clinical case portal), face-to-face courses, including postgraduate programmes and certification.

Unbiased, real-life data that illustrate what is happening in cardiology today

ESC core activitiesRobust research

The ESC’s key aims in this area include incubation, innovation, and management of world-class cardiovascular-related research programmes. It conducts research, drawing on expertise from ESC institutional members and international networks, including 14 Registries, involving 100 000 patients across 80 countries.*

The ‘ESC Atlas of Cardiology’ collates data from more than 40 healthcare realities. It highlights the gaps and inequalities in cardiovascular medicine today and is an invaluable tool in the ESC’s Advocacy programme. The ESC is also a consortium partner in numerous EU funded research projects.

*June 2017

Shaping an environment favourable tocardiovascular health

ESC core activitiesAdvocating for heart health

The ESC aims to leverage its knowledge, network and influence to promote high quality healthcare and shape an environment favourable to cardiovascular health.

It works with related health organisations, as well as other stakeholders and policy-making bodies whose decisions have a direct impact on the prevention, treatment and management of cardiovascular disease.

Collaboratingwith the ESC

Expert InsightThe ESC can offer expert insight into the challenges facing our collective fight against cardiovascular disease through :

• Independent and robust data

• Unbiased consensus and recommendations from an international pool of key opinion leaders

• Expertise across the full spectrum of cardiology

The ESC can provide a snapshot of cardiovascular medicine today

A unique networkThrough its extensive institutional and individual memberships, multi healthcare stakeholder collaboration and industry partners, the ESC brings together all those who have a role in fighting CVD.

AT THE HEART OF THECARDIOLOGY COMMUNITY

Howthe ESC works

The ESC is governed by an elected Board of volunteer, cardiovascular experts.

Its activities are overseen by 26 committees made up of more than 2 000 volunteers.

In all, some 5 000 cardiology experts contribute to ESC activities. The success of the ESC is testament to the dedication of its volunteers.

The ESC employs more than 180 staff who support ESC volunteers in the development and management of its activities. ESC staff report to the Chief Executive Officer, who reports to the President and Management Group of the ESC Board.

European Societyof Cardiology

For all other information please contact:

European Society of CardiologyThe European Heart House

2035, Route des CollesLes Templiers - CS 80179 BIOT06903 Sophia Antipolis - France

Tel: +33 (0)4 92 94 76 00Fax: +33 (0)4 92 94 76 01

www.escardio.org